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Criminal Justice students inducted to Alpha Phi Sigma honors society
Omkar Baxi
Issue date: 5/9/08 Section: News
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Eleven students and one faculty member were formally inducted into the society, according to Julia Hall, chapter advisor and coordinator of the criminal justice program at Drexel.
"The honor society aims to promote thinking, lifelong learning, academic excellence and unity. It also holds a commitment to promoting the careers [of the criminal justice field]," Hall said.
According to Hall, the honor society is very selective with a high emphasis on morale, character and personality. The prerequisites for joining the society include a 3.2 grade point average and completion of a minimum of four criminal justice courses at Drexel.
The inclusion in the honor society is impressive and valuable on a resume for graduate school or employment, Hall said.
Other benefits include networking with local criminal justice professionals and the ability to directly present papers and studies to peers through Alpha Phi Sigma's annual conference.
"The honor society also promotes criminal justice through fun and entertaining activities [on campus]," Hall said.
She discussed a prior event in which the society co-hosted a career fair spotlighting the Secret Service. In the future, the society may hold campus-wide events such as a movie screening about the Texas death penalty entitled "At the Death House Door." Hall also said she anticipates hosting a "mystery dinner" in which the participants create a "CSI"-like event.
Outside the University, the honor society signifies an indication of interest and success in the field, according to Troy Wilson, chairperson of the criminal justice section of the Philadelphia Bar Association. Wilson said he believes that membership in an honor society is especially important when applying to graduate school because it makes the applicant stand out.
"[Membership in the honor society] looks good as a credential and causes inquiring minds to inquire further. You receive an interview for your GPA, the school you went to, the connections you have. Honor societies and other extras help in the interview itself by allowing you to make yourself more interesting and appealing to the employer," Wilson said.
However, Wilson said that although having been in an honor society helps the interview process, it is still is more of a garnish on a resume and not a major factor in the employment process.
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